The U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Buffalo, N.Y. is reminding travelers
planning trips across the border into the United States to make sure they have
the proper documents and to anticipate heavy traffic. During March, the Easter
holiday observance and spring break occur during the same timeframe and could
result in heavy traffic entering the United States. CBP officials want to remind
the traveling public that there are a number of steps that can be taken to facilitate
their arrival into the United States.
Travelers are encouraged to prepare for cross-border travel in advance. Travelers
can obtain local border traffic conditions by either visiting the CBP Web site
to obtain border wait time information for various border crossings. To help facilitate
their crossing, individuals should have their documents available before reaching
the inspection booth. CBP reminds travelers that since Jan. 31, U.S. and Canadian
citizens--both adults and children arriving to the United States from Canada--must
carry a document that proves their citizenship.
Those who don't have a stand-alone document such as a passport or NEXUS card must
carry a birth certificate (original or copy) plus government-issued photo ID,
such as a driver's license. U.S. and Canadian children ages 18 and under will
only be asked to present proof of citizenship, such as a copy of their birth certificate.
Travelers who don't have proof of citizenship may face secondary screening and
delays at border stations while their citizenship is verified.
Frequent cross-border travelers are encouraged to participate in the NEXUS alternative
inspection program, which allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers arriving from
land and sea to proceed with little or no delay by United States and Canadian
Border Officials. Application forms are available on the Canadian Border Services
Agency Web site. For NEXUS toll free information, (U.S. and Canadian), call 1-866-NEXUS
26 (1-866-639-8726).
In the words of James T. Engleman, CBP director of field operations for Buffalo,
"U.S. Customs and Border Protection will staff all available primary lanes
commensurate with arriving traffic, and will maintain staffing in those lanes
until traffic subsides," he also added, "Travelers are encouraged to
factor in sufficient time to cross the border so that they may arrive at their
destination on schedule."
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